Fitting system with intelligent visual tools

ABSTRACT

A fitting system with intelligent visual tools may included calculating a response curve of a hearing assistance device, wherein the response curve indicating sound level pressure level compared to frequency. Additionally it may include, displaying, on a display device, the response curve and displaying concurrently with the response curve, a visual cue, wherein the visual cue represents data including at least one of: gain of the response curve, a comparison between a target response curve and the response curve, and a comparison between binaural response curve.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/165,495, filed on Mar.31, 2009, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present application relates to methods and apparatus for fittinghearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids.

BACKGROUND

Fitting systems for hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids,typically display curves representing different sound levels and avariety of screens for an audiologist to fit the hearing assistancedevice to a particular wearer. There is a need in the art for betterdisplays to display a richer set of information to the audiologist. Suchsystems should provide tools to prevent the audiologist from having toswitch between many screens and to clearly depict comparisons of datafor ease of fitting a device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation inthe figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an example response graph with a fade out, according to anexample embodiment;

FIGS. 2-3 are example response graph, according to an exampleembodiment; and

FIG. 4 is an example response graph with a visual indication of notesabout the response graph, according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description of the present subject matter refersto subject matter in the accompanying drawings which show, by way ofillustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which the presentsubject matter may be practiced. These embodiments are described insufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice thepresent subject matter. References to “an”, “one”, or “various”embodiments in this disclosure are not necessarily to the sameembodiment, and such references contemplate more than one embodiment.The following detailed description is demonstrative and not to be takenin a limiting sense. The scope of the present subject matter is definedby the appended claims, along with the full scope of legal equivalentsto which such claims are entitled.

The present subject matter relates to methods and apparatus for fittinghearing assistance devices. Embodiments are provided which may assist anaudiologist to use software on a fitting system to better visualize theresponse of a hearing assistance device, such as a hearing aid.

Indicating Gain on Response Graph

In one embodiment, use of color change is provided to assist a user of afitting system to indicate gain on the same graph as the response.During a hearing fitting an audiologist will use software to visualizethe response of the hearing aid. This response typically consists of 3curves representing sound level (Loud [90 dB], Average [70 dB], Soft [50dB]) plotted on an X-Y axis. The X axis is the frequency of the sound,and the Y axis indicates the dB SPL. From this graph an audiologist getsanswers to questions such as “What is the performance of the hearing aidwhen 90 dB SPL [Loud] sound enters the hearing aid at 500 Hz?”.

Current fitting systems do not provide the end user, such as theaudiologist or other person, cues to indicate gain on the same graph asthe response. The present subject matter, among other things, provides aseries of cues through color changing techniques as to exactly how theresponse and gain are related.

A color change is provided to indicate gain on the same graph as theresponse. In various embodiments, the color change includes a fade out10 (depicted as a dotted line on FIG. 1) of the response curve regionthat dips below 0 dB of gain that moves dynamically as the hearing aidresponse is modified. Thus, the present system allows for a curve tofade out 10 at certain frequencies as gain dips below 0 dB. Other gainvalues and other curve changes are possible without departing from thescope of the present subject matter. It is understood that othertechniques, such as animation and color change can be used to improvethe readability of hearing aid response and target graphs.

The present approach allows a user to visualize where gain valuestransition through a threshold, such as 0 dB, without the need to switchto a different view of the model response. The present approach improvesthe education of the listener as to the gain behavior for certainadjustments. The present approach also does not require entire graphswaps, or other harsh transitions, when major variables are changed.This present approach engages the user and provides more clarity of howadjustments affect the operation of the hearing assistance device beingfitted and it increases the number of dimensions that can be visualizedat one time by a user of the system.

FIG. 1 shows an example of a fade out 10 (depicted as dotted lines) ofthe response curve region that dips below 0 dB of gain. In variousembodiments, the faded out region moves dynamically as hearing aidresponse is modified.

Use of Animation to Highlight Aspects of Model Curves

During a hearing fitting an audiologist will use software to visualizethe response of the hearing aid. This response typically consists of 3curves representing sound level (Loud [90 dB], Average [70 dB], Soft [50dB]) plotted on an X-Y axis. The X axis is the frequency of the sound,and the Y axis indicates the dB SPL. From this graph an audiologist getsanswers to questions such as “What is the performance of the hearing aidwhen 90 dB SPL [Loud] sound enters the hearing aid at 500 Hz?” At thesame time 3 curves representing a target for the response can also existon the same graph.

During fitting system operations the target for the response can changedepending on variables of the fitting. For example: If the patient birthdate is updated, the target for the response will be updated.

The targets represent a prescription that is encapsulated in somethingcalled a fitting formula. A fitting formula can be thought of as aprescription for a hearing loss. Just as in the prescription drug realm,what works for one person, may not work for another. So there aremultiple fitting formulas these include NAL-NL1, DSL [i/o] and others.Fitting formulas can be changed during a fitting leading to aprescription and response change in the fitting system.

Current fitting systems give the end user no cues to indicate changes tothe response or target shape on the graph when variables are changed ina fitting.

The present approach provides a series of cues through animationtechniques as to exactly how the response and targets change when majorfitting variables (i.e., patient birthdate, fitting formula) changeduring the course of a hearing aid fitting process being administered byan audiologist.

In various embodiments, the curve animation includes one or more of: afade out of curves that do not change using an opacity change; ananimation to thicken the target curves; a point animation that moves thetarget curve points from the starting location to an end location; ananimation to make the target curves thin; and/or a fade in of all curvesback to the original state before the change occurred.

Among other things, the present approach aids the readability ofresponse graphs, improves the education of the listener as to thebehavior of target and responses when certain variables are changed, andengage the end user in the specific operation that put the response andtargets in a new state.

Aids to Viewing and Comparing Binaural Response Graphs

In current fitting systems if a user wishes to compare the hearing aidresponse between right and left sides in a binaural fitting the user hasto scan back and forth between 2 graphs.

In scenarios where the response is complex, or where the audiogramdiffers greatly between the right and left sides, the right-left orleft-right scanning can consume time and lead to inaccurate fittings.

Due to logarithmic nature of response graphs, it is difficult to scanfor per side differences at the higher frequencies.

The response difference in FIG. 2 is difficult to see, but exists atabout 5 KHz on the right side. The average input response is 2 dB higheron the right side at about 5 KHz. This is a very subtle difference thatcan have a big effect on the hearing experience of the device wearer.Current fitting systems lack a comprehensive visual reporting ofdifferences between right and left sides. The present subject mattermakes it easier for the comparison of binaural response using visual andevidence based techniques.

In one embodiment, a written report is made including a comprehensivelist of all adjustments and instrument settings which are differentbetween right and left, and how that difference impacts hearing aidresponse.

In a working visual embodiment, differences are seen in a channelfrequency range. For example, in a response graph, a channel is adivision along the frequency range that is a good baseline forvisualizing response differences. Typically, the 4 differences that areof interest in the response include, but are not limited to, band, loud,soft, and max output. Each of these differences may be seen within thevisual of a channel frequency range.

In some fitting systems, there is a graph legend popup window. In suchsystems, this popup window lists each curve being displayed on the graphin a list. In various embodiments, this list can be expanded with acolumn per channel on the right and left sides.

In various embodiments, within each column the user will see a blankcircle indicating that the given adjustment is the same for both rightand left in that channel, a right side icon indicating that the rightside has a higher value for that curve in a specific channel, and/or aleft side icon indicating that the left side has a higher value for thatcurve in a specific channel.

In various embodiments, the icon in the popup window is clickable, andcan navigate the user directly to the adjustment screen and adjustmentcontrol that would allow the user to remedy any particular difference.

In various embodiments, for each graphical adjustment there is a grabhandle. This grab handle sits at the channel center frequency. If agiven adjustment performance is greater on one side then another, thenthe grab handle for that side can be filled with the corresponding sidecolor (e.g., different shades or colors, like blue or red). The fillcolor of both sides are having an equal performance is a third color,such as black. In various embodiments, as an adjustment is changed, thecolor of the grab handle automatically updates to indicate greater orequal adjustment performance.

In FIG. 3 one can more readily see that the right hand average responsecurve at the 5 KHz point is greater due to the different color orshading.

Pins in Fitting User Interface

The present subject matter provides the use of “push pins” in relationto workflow and note taking within a fitting system. A push pin or pinis a marker on a display providing the aspects noted herein.

A user is enabled to put a pin in the map at locations that they want toremember. For example, the user placed pins are used as visualreminders, visual indicators, and a way to bring in additional userrequested functionality such as using flags off of the pin.

FIG. 4 shows a sample screenshot of graph with pins of a certain color(for example, the pins may be green pins).

One aspect of the use of pins is the ability to add and subtractanimations from their functions to make them standout, or be removedfrom the UI (user interface) as needed.

In various embodiments, pins can serve as a focus of attention andaction for many diverse fitting system functions.

In various embodiments, a central list of all placed pins can beaccessed via a dialog or sidebar from the fitting system UI. Pins can bemade visible or invisible via the central list. Data appended to a pincan be printed in a central list to serve as a session log. Pins andtheir values can be saved to a session so they can be recalled later.Pins can also be searched for within an entire client session. In suchembodiments, if a pin is found via search, the session can be loaded,and the UI navigated and centered on the pin. An animation can be usedto show a user the location of a chosen pin. In various embodiments, pincategory view can be customized to only view certain pin types. Invarious embodiments, users can customize the color of the pin afterplacement. In various embodiments, pinned content can be shared oruploaded via an option. For example, if a user discovers a modelingabnormality, the user can pin the graph with a scientific pin and choosethe “share this graph” option. A procedure could walk the user through aprocess including e-mailing an image of the graph, and/or initiating asession with an online assistance provider.

In various embodiments, a user can place a workflow pin anywhere in theentire fitting system UI. The location of the pin placement is used toderive the pin type and functions attached to the pin. In variousembodiments, a note pin is available, for example, when the pin isplaced on an area of the screen not related to adjustments (e.g., screenlabel, navigation bar, or button). The pin is placed, the date/time andcontext of the pin is recorded, and this pin appears in a list in theorder of the pin placement. In various embodiments, a custom note can beappended to the pin. The note can be a flag off of the pin. The note canbe turned off an on using a pointing device or can be programmed toappear when a pointing device is in proximity of the pin. In variousembodiments, the note also appears in the central list of pins. The notepin can be used to remember the order in which someone performs certainoperations (e.g., certain operations in order such as Quick Fit, MediaPlayer, Surround Town, and Band Screen). The date/time and note fieldswill be able to be searched providing ways to recall notes and otherevents during the session.

In various embodiments, a user can place what is called a scientific pinin a graph. In various embodiments, this pin records the specific graphvalues on the X and Y axis as well as date/time, display mode, and evenother modeling criteria (e.g., Acoustic Plumbing, Input Stimulus). Invarious embodiments, additional functionality includes, but is notlimited to, the scientific pin serving as a guide post during adjustment(e.g., do not exceed 50 dB SPL gain at 500 Hz). In various embodiments,a scientific pin is also integrated into best fit and adjustments as amin/max point. Adjustments and best fit functionality can be programmedto not allow the response exceed or go below the pinned value. Invarious embodiments, a scientific pin is used on the audiometer graph tostop tone playback above or below thresholds.

In various embodiments, when a pin is placed on an adjustment control,the pin is called an “adjustment pin”. This pin records the adjustmentvalue at the location of the pin, as well as date/time and other notes.An adjustment pin can ensure that a certain adjustment never exceeds orgoes below the pinned value for that adjustment.

In various embodiments, when a highlight pin is placed outside of thefitting UI (e.g., Data log, Hearing Loss Simulator, consulting tools)the log entry can be customized to highlight a value in a central list.For example, if a user visits the Mechanical Noise Data Log screen, theuser can place a highlight pin on the pie chart indicating a 25% timespent in mechanical for all memories. The pin placement will be contextsensitive and post an entry to the pin list that reads something like,for example: “Data Log-25% spent in Mechanical for all memories.” Thehighlight pin enables fitting discoveries to be easily summarized viathe pin placement list and to be included in a report.

Pins may be used to fix a bottom or a top of a setting. Pins could beused to depict warnings for the audiologist. Pins can also be used forfinding exact value at a point.

Other approaches and pins and combinations of the foregoing approachesand pins are possible without departing from the scope of the presentsubject matter.

The present subject matter includes hearing assistance devices,including but not limited to, cochlear implant type hearing devices,hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE), in-the-ear (ITE),in-the-canal (ITC), or completely-in-the-canal (CIC) type hearing aids.It is understood that behind-the-ear type hearing aids may includedevices that reside substantially behind the ear or over the ear. Suchdevices may include hearing aids with receivers associated with theelectronics portion of the behind-the-ear device, or hearing aids of thetype having receivers in the ear canal (RIC) of the user. It isunderstood that other hearing assistance devices not expressly statedherein may fall within the scope of the present subject matter.

It is understood that the various approached described herein can beimplemented in software executing on a fitting system. Fitting systemscan be implemented on a variety of processing devices including, but notlimited to, personal computers such as desktop, laptop, notebook, andtablet computers, personal data assistants, cell phones, and otherpersonal data devices. Some embodiments are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos.6,424,722, 6,366,863 and related applications and patents, all of whichare incorporated by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, it isunderstood that the approaches set forth herein may be employed insoftware, hardware, firmware, and combinations thereof. It is understoodthat the programming used to implement the steps provided herein can bestored on computer readable media that is distributed to providefunctionalities and programmed apparatus to perform the approaches setforth herein. Variations in processors, computers, programming, andconfigurations may exist without departing from the scope of the presentsubject matter.

1. A method comprising: calculating a response curve of a hearingassistance device, the response curve indicating sound level pressurelevel compared to frequency, displaying, on a display device, theresponse curve; and displaying concurrently with the response curve, avisual cue, wherein the visual cue represents data including at leastone of: gain of the response curve, a comparison between a targetresponse curve and the response curve, and a comparison between binauralresponse curves.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein calculating aresponse curve of a hearing aid comprises: calculating the responsecurve of at least one of 50 dB, 70 dB, or 90 dB sound level.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: calculating a second responsecurve of the hearing assistance device; and displaying, on the displaydevice, the second response curve concurrently with the response curve.4. The method of claim 1, wherein displaying concurrently with theresponse curve, a visual cue comprises: shading the response curve toindicate gain.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein coloring the responsecurve to indicate gain comprises: fading out the response curve whengain is below 0 dB.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein displayingconcurrently with the response curve, a visual cue comprises: displayinga target response curve; and dynamically updating the target responsecurve and response curve in response to a variable change in a fittingformula.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein dynamically updating thetarget response curve and response curve in response to a variablechange in a fitting formula comprises: fading out portions of theresponse curve and target response curve where no change has occurred.8. The method of claim 6, wherein dynamically updating the targetresponse curve and response curve in response to a variable change in afitting formula comprises: a point animation that moves target curvepoints from a starting location to an end location.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein displaying concurrently with the response curve, avisual cue comprises: displaying a second response curve, wherein theresponse curve is associated with anticipated response in a left ear,and the second response curve is associated with an anticipated responsein a right ear; and visually indicating one or more differences betweenthe response curve and second response curve, wherein the one or moredifferences are including at least one of: band, loud, soft, and maxoutput.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein visually indicating one ormore differences between the response curve and second response curvecomprises: coloring or shading the response curve or second responsecurve.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the hearing assistance deviceis a hearing aid.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the hearing aid isa behind-the-ear hearing aid.
 13. The method of claim 11, wherein thehearing aid is a in-the-canal hearing aid.
 14. The method of claim 11,wherein the hearing aid is a in-the-ear hearing aid.
 15. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the hearing aid is a completely-in-the-canal hearingaid.
 16. A method comprising: calculating a response curve of a hearingassistance device, the response curve indicating sound level pressurelevel compared to frequency, displaying, on a display device, theresponse curve; receiving a selection of a pin, wherein the pin isincluding at least one of: a workflow pin, a note pin, a scientific pin,and an adjustment pin; and displaying, concurrently with the responsecurve, the pin.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein displayingconcurrently with the response curve, the pin comprises: displaying anote pin, wherein the pin is selectable by a user to display contents ofthe note pin.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising:categorizing the pin; and dynamically showing or hiding the pin inresponse to a filter of the category.
 19. The method of claim 10,further comprising: generating an adjustment pin, wherein the adjustmentpin specifies a range of the response curve.
 20. A fitting systemcomprising: a processor; a display; fitting software, which whenexecuted on the processor, cause a response curve of a hearingassistance device and a visual cue to be displayed on the display,wherein the response curve indicates sound level pressure level comparedto frequency, and wherein the visual represents data including at leastone of: gain of the response curve, a comparison between a targetresponse curve and the response curve, and a comparison between binauralresponse curve.